We're tasked by the state with responding to wildfires. We study weather patterns, drought cycles and the status of vegetation across the state to predict when and where dangerous fire conditions may occur. Should a wildfire ignite, we maintain a statewide network of strategically-placed teams of firefighters and equipment so that we're able to respond quickly when the call comes.

Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and almost entirely with volunteers. We help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment and help Texans learn how to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.

With roughly 94 percent of forestland in Texas privately owned, the trees, forests—and the benefits they provide - rests in the hands of thousands of Texans. While keeping the entire state's forested landscape in mind, we inform and educate landowners on sustainable land management practices.

We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees. We empower local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes with damage assessments, information, technical assistance and long-term recovery.

We analyze and monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information we have is more powerful when we give it to you.

We can help quench your thirst for learning. Explore links to identify trees using their leaves and branches, create your own tree trails and experience Texas history from the perceptive of a witness tree. Share activities in the classroom to open up a world of conservation for new generations.

We're tasked by the state with responding to wildfires. We study weather patterns, drought cycles and the status of vegetation across the state to predict when and where dangerous fire conditions may occur. Should a wildfire ignite, we maintain a statewide network of strategically-placed teams of firefighters and equipment so that we're able to respond quickly when the call comes.

Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of the wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and a staff often made up almost entirely of volunteers. Sometimes they need a little help. Our programs help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment. We also help communities and property owners learn to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.

With roughly 94 percent of the forestland in Texas privately owned, the management of our state's trees and forests - as well as the benefits they provide - rests in the hands of thousands of Texans. Who better than the state's tree experts to lead them? While keeping the entire state's forested landscape in mind, we inform and educate landowners on sustainable property management practices.

We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees where people live, work and play. We foster appreciation and stewardship of urban forests empowering local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes. From damage assessment, to information and technical assistance, to long-term recovery - we help property owners and communities thrive.

Our experts research, analyze and carefully monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information or knowledge we have is more powerful when we give it to you. As a state agency, our responsibility is share what we know.

If you have an unquenchable thirst for learning, we offer programs and information that you may either explore independently or share with a group. Learn about trees, forests, the benefits they provide and the challenges they face. Read stories about trees that are living witness to Texas history. Locate champion trees across the state. And bring activities into the classroom to open a world of conservation to a new generation.

The wildland urban interface is where developed areas intermingle with undeveloped areas. It is the area adjacent to property where actions can be taken to prevent damage or loss from wildfire. There are over 14,500 communities at risk of wildfire in Texas. Training community leaders to work with local residents to develop and implement local wildfire preparedness programs is the best strategy for reaching as many people as possible. Wildland urban interface, or WUI, specialists are well-trained professionals that provide a wide range of services to the public, as well as community leaders with cities, counties and other agencies.

MITIGATION PROGRAMS

Mitigation programs help communities plan for wildfires long before there is a threat. To help your community address its wildfire risk, a WUI Specialist will work closely with community leaders to develop a detailed Community Wildfire Protection Plan. A CWPP is unique because it empowers communities to share the responsibility of developing strategies for protecting it against wildfire.

PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS

Preparedness programs are designed to teach people of all ages how to prepare for a wildfire. A WUI specialist will work closely with your community to implement these programs.

Ready, Set, Go encourages citizens to prepare their homes and families for the threat of wildfire, to understand current fire conditions and evacuate early when necessary.

Mitigation and Prevention staff also focus on educating the public about safe debris burning practices, campfire safety and other human causes of wildfire.

RECOVERY PROGRAMS

After a wildfire occurs with significant home loss, WUI specialists assist in completing post-fire assessments. Through these assessments numbers and locations of damaged and destroyed homes as well as common denominators leading to home losses are determined. These post-fire assessments can then provide specific solutions that can help prevent future losses.

In the aftermath of wildfires, WUI specialists also host restoration workshops for land and homeowners to assist in the recovery process. These workshops provide information on timber taxation, timber recovery and Firewise construction and landscaping tips.

PUBLIC INFORMATION

WUI specialists serve as public information officers providing current and timely information, as well as prevention and preparedness messages to the media.

Here at West Texas Nursery, we grow high-quality, affordable tree and shrub seedlings for Texas landowners. Sold in bulk, these seedling are well-suited for use in wildlife plantings as well as natural resource conservation projects like windbreaks.

Trees Are Key with Paul Johnson has reached 19,000 listeners spanning 23 countries. Check out the latest podcast to learn more about trees, tree care, the benefits of trees and all the ways trees are important to people, communities and landscapes.

NEWSROOM

Nov. 10, 2016 — BUFFALO GAP, Texas — Ten years ago, Buffalo Gap, Texas became one of only three Firewise communities in the state.
The citizens of Buffalo Gap will commemorate their 10 th year as a Firewise community with a celebration held at City Hall Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. Texas A&amp;M Forest Service will presen

Nov. 2, 2016 — COLLEGE STATION, Texas —
Over 500 Texas A&amp;M Forest Service employees came together at the agency’s
annual personnel meeting Wednesday, Nov. 2.
Texas A&amp;M Forest Service employees
gathered to celebrate their dedication to the citizens and natural resources of
Texas. The meeting, held

Here at West Texas Nursery, we grow high-quality, affordable tree and shrub seedlings for Texas landowners. Sold in bulk, these seedling are well-suited for use in wildlife plantings as well as natural resource conservation projects like windbreaks.

Trees Are Key with Paul Johnson has reached 19,000 listeners spanning 23 countries. Check out the latest podcast to learn more about trees, tree care, the benefits of trees and all the ways trees are important to people, communities and landscapes.

Nov. 10, 2016 — BUFFALO GAP, Texas — Ten years ago, Buffalo Gap, Texas became one of only three Firewise communities in the state.
The citizens of Buffalo Gap will commemorate their 10 th year as a Firewise community with a celebration held at City Hall Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. Texas A&M Forest Service will presen

Nov. 2, 2016 — COLLEGE STATION, Texas —
Over 500 Texas A&M Forest Service employees came together at the agency’s
annual personnel meeting Wednesday, Nov. 2.
Texas A&M Forest Service employees
gathered to celebrate their dedication to the citizens and natural resources of
Texas. The meeting, held

We have been protecting and sustaining
forests, trees and related natural
resources since 1915. We offer programs
and services to help you make the most
of your land for generations to come.
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